Will County is hosting several State of Illinois agencies in a community conversation to discuss the changes in federal and state parity laws relating to mental health and substance use disorder treatments. The event is slated for 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 1 in the auditorium of the U Building on the campus of Joliet Junior College, 1215 Houbolt Road in Joliet.
The County Executive’s Office of Substance Use Initiatives is partnering with Stepping
Stones Treatment Center and the HERO Group to bring vital information to consumers about
changes in the parity law that require insurance to cover behavioral health and physical health
benefits equally.
Illinois now has the nation’s strongest mental health and addiction parity law.
Speakers from the Illinois Department of Insurance, the Department of Healthcare and
Family Services, and the Association of Medicaid Health Plans will be addressing the landmark
law, which takes effect on January 1, 2019, and how it will impact Illinois residents’ insurance
benefits.
“With the United States in the grips of an opioid epidemic, it is important for consumers to
fully understand the benefits they are entitled to,” said Dr. Kathleen Burke, director of the Office
of Substance Use Initiatives. “Many families and individuals are confused about their rights
when it comes to mental health and substance use treatment coverage. This event will clarify
what benefits all insurance companies are required by law to provide.”
It is also open enrollment time. Several counselors will be available at the event to help
people sign up for the Affordable Care Act through the Get Covered Illinois program.
“The Illinois Department of Insurance is dedicated to educating people about their rights to
behavioral health care,” said Brian Gorman, director of Outreach and Consumer Education at
Get Covered Illinois. “Illinois has earned sole recognition for the strongest mental health parity